I’m not sure what the afterlife or the next life looks completely like. But what I know for sure is if given a chance to re-live my life over, I want to do it in an occupation where rain is never a bad thing.

For over 50 years, while rains could come over a weekend and it wouldn’t stop work, but even then there would be pumping out holes and cleanup come Monday.

But the real anxiety would be when the whole week would call for rain in the forecast, turning into a disaster when it actually happened.

The weather is never your friend when you dig ditches and move dirt for a living. Depending on the size of your operation, it can cost in the hundreds of dollars a day to watch it rain up to tens of thousands of dollars when you have a large operation. While you have some labor cost savings, you still have all the fixed costs that roll on day after day. But you also know that those guys that are paid hourly wages can’t survive if they aren’t working, so that causes anguish as well.

Of course some of that is anticipated when you bid a project, but never is completely covered, when the rains come hard and heavy for extended periods of time.

Don’t get me wrong. If you have property with animals and crops, you always know it’s needed. But knowing how the projects will suffer, takes a certain shine away from those beautiful rains.

Listening to the sound of raindrops can have several benefits for our well-being:

1. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The gentle pitter-patter of rain can have a calming effect on our minds and bodies. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and a sense of tranquility.
2. Improved Sleep: The sound of rain can create a soothing ambiance that aids in falling asleep faster and achieving a deeper, more restful sleep. It masks other background noises and promotes a peaceful sleep environment.
3. Increased Focus and Concentration: For some people, the sound of rain can help improve focus and concentration. It acts as a white noise, blocking out distractions and enhancing productivity, especially for tasks that require deep concentration.
4. Enhanced Creativity: Rainfall has the power to stimulate our imagination and creativity. The rhythmic pattern of raindrops can inspire new ideas, boost artistic expression, and provide a conducive environment for creative thinking.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation: The sound of raindrops can be used as a focal point during mindfulness practices or meditation. It helps to anchor our attention to the present moment, fostering a sense of mindfulness and inner calm.
6. Natural Sound Therapy: Rainfall is often considered a form of natural sound therapy. It can have a positive effect on our overall well-being by reducing blood pressure, relieving headaches, and promoting relaxation throughout the body.

Now that I’m at the end of the contracting trail, I just smile and think how wonderful the rains will be.

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